Words Of Wisdom From A Poet

We need much less than we think we need.

I love this quote by the late American poet Maya Angelou. She is correct, of course, but I daresay that most Americans believe that we should get all we can. We're always in search of more -- more money, a newer car, a bigger house, more fame or recognition.

Too many believe that "if only I had" more money, a better job, a prettier wife, smarter kids, and on and on.

What if, instead of focusing on what we don't have -- and often don't need -- we were grateful for what we do have? What if we recognize that we really do have what we need?

OK, I'll start. If only I had better vision. Instead, what if I thought about how grateful I am to be able to see at all. I have been very nearsighted since I was a child of 10. I wore glasses, then contact lenses, then I had surgery so I could see well without corrective lenses of any kind. Then as I turned 40, I needed glasses for reading. After surgery to remove cataracts, I could see well with glasses. Then I suffered the first of several retinal tears and detachments. Several surgeries later, I need glasses for both reading and for distance sight. My right always, always the stronger eye, is now pretty useless for either kind of vision. I visit a retina specialist twice each year for scans and photographs of the interior of my eyes, and I use prescription eye drops in both eyes twice every day.

But you know what? As a photographer and an avid reader, and as someone who values her independence and needs to be able to drive, I am so grateful that my vision remains good enough for me to continue to pursue my passion of photography. And I can still drive safely, although I have chosen not to drive at night due to poor night vision. So yes, I am extremely thankful. And I have all I need.

If only I had more money to spend on travel. Or what if I thought about how grateful I am that I can still afford to travel the world, to visit places I have always wanted to visit or to revisit some of my favorite countries? I have cut back on travel due to the increased cost of trips and airfare, but I still get to take several fabulous trips each year.

If only I could find a golden retriever to adopt. What if I decided instead to adopt or foster a dog in need, one that might not get adopted. I have applied to foster an old (11 to 12 years old) black Labrador retriever who ended up in an animal shelter because his owner died. He has three strikes against him: He is big. He is old. And he is black. Black dogs and black cats are least likely to be adopted. 

You get the idea. I truly do need much less than I think I need. I just need to do a better job of reminding myself of this.